How to Winterize Your Garden This Winter

As the cold months of winter creep up on us, there are a few tips you should know to get your garden winter ready so that you can have a head start once spring returns. If you have a garden full of tender plants then you need to find a good winter home for them. This home needs to be frost proof with plenty of air circulation and as much natural light as possible. If you have a tropical tree that you are trying to keep in a less than tropical climate, like a hardy banana tree or tree fern, then they need to be wrapped to protect them when temperatures drop below freezing. At this point in the year, most of you have probably already done this, but if not, then do it now or risk losing the tree. A good way to recycle in the garden is to use old newspaper or bubble wrap to wrap the trunks of the banana or fern trees. This will act as insulation through the winter months. You should also use this to wrap the top part of your fern tree, as this is the most delicate part.

If you have trees or shrubs that you keep in pots, these can be particularly susceptible to the winter temperatures. While plants such as the Japanese maples, rhododendrons and hydrangeas are hardy enough for the plant to survive when planted in the ground, their delicate roots don't do well when left more exposed in an above ground container. You can either move these pots to an area that is well protected from the winter temps or wrap the pots in old blankets. Another danger when dealing with potted plants is that they can become water-logged in the winter. When this water freezes, the soil expands and can either crack the pot or damage the delicate roots of your plants. If this is a danger in your area, then moving the plants is probably your safest bet.

Snow may seem like a culprit to us, but it actually can act as insulation to plants that are in the ground; especially bulbs. But when it comes to trees and shrubs, snow can be dangerous. The weight of the snow can snap limbs quite easily, so take the time to brush the freshly fallen snow from the limbs. Be gentle; the weight of the snow may have already weakened the branches and shaking them vigorously may only end up accomplishing what you were trying to avoid. Hedges can also be affected with a heavy snow load, so take the time to watch that as well. If you have a layer of ice on your trees and shrubs, don't go out there and attempt to chip away the frozen bits. You are just going to have to be patient and wait for it to thaw.

Following these tips can protect your delicate plants, trees and shrubs during the winter months. When spring comes calling, your garden will be ready to bloom.